Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto/John Langer
When you ask most believers today about grace, they would refer to it as undeserving favor from God. One of the greatest elements of God's grace is His undeserving favor toward mankind, and within the biblical text, there are other instances of grace as well.
1. Undeserving Favor. Though Adam sinned and brought death and sin into the generations of man, God loved us so much that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:12-15; John 3:16). He did this so that the eternal separation that was made between God and man would be restored - for those that placed their belief in His Son.
Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) - But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
The best we could ever do would not be enough to restore the eternal separation between ourselves and God. By the judgment set upon us through Adam's sin, we deserve to face God's judgment of eternal separation, but...
Romans 5:8 (KJV) - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
For additional information on God's expression of forgiveness and love toward mankind, please read our collection of teachings on Jesus.
2. Redemption.
Romans 3:24-25 (KJV) - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
As discussed in 'undeserved favor,' we find redemption as an 'extension' and element of grace. As Paul explains above, we have been freely justified by God's grace through the redemption found in Jesus Christ. Salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11). It is freely available to all, irrespective of social status, color, or race. It is through Jesus' sacrifice that we may receive salvation from the judgment of sin.
Titus 3:4-7 (KJV) - But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
3. Teaching.
Titus 2:11-14 (KJV) - For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Just as God's grace has appeared to all men, it will teach all men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts; to live soberly, righteously, and godly; and will set our sights on the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Now, there may come a time when the hardness of someone's heart will prevent them from being taught to live righteously or setting their sights for the appearance of Jesus. Therefore, the key for us will be to remain teachable and humble so that God's grace will be a continual teacher and help as we live before God and man.
4. A Place of Mercy and Help.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (KJV) - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus endured many of the same temptations we have and was found without sin. (Though there are differences in technologies today, the underlying principles of temptation remain.) He understands the intricacies of our infirmities and can relate to our struggles. However, this shouldn't give us a case to continue in any life of sin (Romans 6:1-2). As Jesus can relate to our struggles, we have Someone and somewhere we can go to obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. The 'type' of grace that we may need in one situation may be different from the next. There will be the grace of redemption or favor; help in making a righteous decision; or even assistance in overcoming difficult situations.
5. Power.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV) - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (see 2 Corinthians 12:6-8 as well)
God's strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. It is when we acknowledge our need and dependence for God (and our own inabilities/weaknesses) that His grace will abound in our lives. This is why Paul exclaimed to glory in His weaknesses over His strengths and gifting - He wanted the grace of God to abound even more within his life, so that he may have everything he needs!
As Paul describes, our accomplishments (ministry gifts, accomplishments, etc.) are not 'vehicles' to exalt and glorify oneself. We must understand that all glory belongs to God. There may be times when we receive thorns in our flesh (like Paul) to keep us humble before the Lord and dependent upon His help and grace.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV) - And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work
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1 John 2:1-29
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